Introducing the DTFW Summer Series

Summer is almost here, and Downtown Fort Wayne is rolling out a brand-new lineup of outdoor events that will keep you entertained all season long. Say hello to the DTFW Summer Series!

In 2026, DTFW is bringing back a beloved Downtown tradition, and introducing two exciting new experiences as part of this new event series. Whether you’re sneaking out of the office for a midday break, looking for a fun evening with the family, or just want to explore the best of what Downtown has to offer, this series was made for you.

Here’s what’s in store:

Lunch on the Square

11:30-1:30 | Select Thursdays, June 4 – July 30 | Freimann Square

If you’re a Downtown regular, you already know: Lunch on the Square is one of the most feel-good summer traditions. And this year, it returns for its 18th season—now as the anchor event of the DTFW Summer Series.

If you’re new here, the formula is simple: head to Freimann Square on select Thursdays, grab lunch from one of the rotating local food trucks (or grab takeout from any of DTFW’s top-notch restaurants), find a spot in the sun (or shade!), and let the live music give you an afternoon pick-me-up. Everyone is welcome, so you can come solo, invite your colleagues, or meet your family for a midday reset.

Something new this year: this season’s dates are every other Thursday starting June 4 through July 30, with the following week available as a makeup date if weather doesn’t cooperate (this is the Midwest, after all). You can follow along on Facebook and Instagram for weather updates.

The Food Trucks

Lunch on the Square would be nothing without its beloved food trucks. This season, eleven food trucks will be rotating through Freimann Square each week, and yes, the lineup is delicious and packed with community favorites. Here’s who you can look forward to seeing:

1. The Banh Mi Truck
2. Big Eyed Fish on Wheels
3. The Creperie
4. Flora and Lily’s Mexican Kitchen
5. Travelin’ Tom’s
6. Another One Bites The Crust
7. Mercadito
8. Bravas Food Truck
9. Jack’s Rolling Food Shack
10. The Spicy Bird
11. Sweets on the Street or Quench Cafe

Whether you’re in the mood for banh mi, hot chicken, street tacos, or a sweet treat, the lineup at Lunch on the Square is sure to cure your craving. 

Lunch Means More

Here’s a feel-good bonus: Lunch on the Square is also home to the Lunch Means More initiative, presented in partnership with Barnes & Thornburg. On select dates, Barnes & Thornburg will match 15% of featured food truck sales to support a local nonprofit. This year’s recipient is The League. So when you grab lunch Downtown, you’re giving back at the same time. After all, community is what Lunch on the Square is all about. 

The Music

This season’s musical lineup is stacked with local talent spanning genres from jazz and R&B to soul, pop, and choral artistry. Here’s the full schedule and a closer look at who’s taking the stage:

Alicia Pyle & the Locals  | June 4

If you’ve spent any time in Fort Wayne over the past few years, you’ve probably caught Alicia Pyle & the Locals. And if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. The band is a one-of-a-kind musical experience that blends genres like pop, rock, jazz, funk, and soul into something all its own. Led by Alicia Pyle—a Fort Wayne native and one of our city’s most tireless advocates for the local arts scene—the group features a rotating cast of the area’s finest musicians, meaning every show has its own energy and personality. Alicia has said she hopes audiences leave her shows feeling some sense of belonging and community, and honestly, that’s exactly what Lunch on the Square is all about.

Hey Hera  |  June 18

Hey Hera is the Fort Wayne duo you need on your radar. Vocalist Aleena York and pianist Carly Ingalls bring their jazz, R&B, and pop sensibilities together to reimagine hits from across the last century, all with their own signature flair. Aleena’s powerful vocals and Carly’s versatile piano playing make for an intimate, engaging performance that feels equally at home in a cozy venue and an open-air square. Expect familiar favorites delivered in a fresh, soulful way that’ll have you humming all afternoon.

Heartland Sings  |  July 2

For nearly three decades, Heartland Sings has been one of Fort Wayne’s most distinctive and celebrated performing arts institutions. This nonprofit vocal production company—founded in 1997 by Maestro Robert Nance—brings together professional singers to deliver high-caliber performances across jazz, opera, musical theater, and choral music. With a roster spanning from a core professional ensemble to a full Festival Chorus of 80+ voices, Heartland Sings represents the very best of what our local vocal arts community can achieve. Hearing them perform outdoors at Freimann Square is sure to be something special.

Ta’Korei  |  July 16

Ta’Korei Moore is a name that Fort Wayne’s arts community has been buzzing about, and for good reason. This powerhouse pop and R&B vocalist brings a dynamic, larger-than-life stage presence to everything she does. Known for her ability to cover contemporary artists like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Adele, and Celine Dion with remarkable ease, Ta’Korei has already made waves locally, winning first place at Turnstone’s Center Stage: Fort Wayne’s Premier Talent Show in 2024. Ta’Korei is exactly the kind of homegrown talent that makes this city shine.

Todd Harrold Band  |  July 30

A Fort Wayne institution through and through, the Todd Harrold Band has been a cornerstone of the local music scene for decades. Todd Harrold does something rare: he fronts his band from behind the drum kit, delivering soulful lead vocals that have been compared to Bill Withers, Boz Scaggs, and Gil Scott-Heron. The band’s sound spans classic soul, blues, jazz, R&B, and classic rock. Todd has shared stages with national acts like The Doobie Brothers, Blues Traveler, and Little Feat, and has earned eight Whatzup Magazine Jazz Artist of the Year awards. Catching the Todd Harrold Band on a sunny Thursday at Freimann Square? That’s what summer dreams are made of.

Movie Night: A Brand-New Cinema Experience

July 24, August 28, and September 25

That’s right, Movie Night is making its debut as part of the DTFW Summer Series, and it’s the perfect social outing for movie buffs or those looking for a unique date or a family night out. In partnership with Fort Wayne Cinema Center, this free outdoor film experience is bringing an 80s movie theme to DTFW, all under the stars, with community all around you. Three dates, three nights of nostalgia, and zero cost to attend (though donations to the nonprofit theatre are always welcome). Keep an eye out for the film announcements and get your outdoor blanket ready.

Night Market: Explore Our Community of Local Makers

4-8pm | August 6 and August 20

The DTFW Summer Series is also introducing Night Market, an eclectic evening street market in partnership with Hop River Brewing Co. Think local makers, great food, and live entertainment all coming together in one lively block party-style market. Whether you’re looking to discover new local artisans, try something delicious, or just soak in the atmosphere of Downtown on a hot summer night, Night Market is going to be a fantastic new addition to your summer calendar.

Downtown has long been one of the best summer destinations—and now with the DTFW Summer Series, we’re having even more fun under the sun. Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and check back for updates as more details unfold.

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And special thanks to our presenting sponsors, Drive & Shine, for helping Downtown make all of this possible.